Top positive review

Andrew Downie’s biography tells the story of the larger-than-life sporting figure, Socrates, against the backdrop of Brazilian politics and society at a time when both were changing rapidly.

It would be impossible to tell the story of Socrates without explaining the era in which he came of age and eventually dominated the national football scene. Downie achieves this in an engaging and conversational tone punctuated with richly researched and detailed anecdotes that offer a glimpse into what it was like to be present as the beautiful game became big business in Brazil. This is no dull history lesson, but rather a romp through an era accompanying perhaps the only person whose path threaded the divided social, political and economic strata of the country.

While non-Brazilians have sense of the Brazilian greats that have lifted the World Cup, stories of the “greatest team to never win it” are perhaps more interesting if not harder to come by. Thankfully Downie has meticulously curated a work comprised of countless primary sources and in-person interviews with the movers and shakers of the sport from all corners of Brazil and across Europe.

To sum it up, this is a much more audacious undertaking than a book about a deceased football star. It is a sophisticated exposition of a life led at the intersection of Brazilian politics, culture and of course, football.

Top critical review

I enjoyed this book to an extent, it is way above most footballer's Biographies or Autobiographies it's very detailed on most aspects of the life of Socrates. His footballing genius, his love life, his short lived musical career and ultimately his later failure to pursue his medical career.The 1982 world cup features heavily here, and I think Socrates downplayed the failure of Brazil in the tournament, it was one of the best world cup games I have ever seen, and most people say that this was the best Brazil team never to win the world cup.Socrates missed out on the mega millions paid out to today's overpaid "stars", and one wonders how much he himself would be worth in today's over inflated football market place.Ultimately Socrates seemed to never find true happiness, dropping friends, family and lovers at the drop of a hat and appeared to be on self destruct mode most of the time, with his heavy drinking and smoking and poor diet.A decent book about a very intelligent footballer who seemed not to care whether he lived or died, he definitely burned the candle at both ends.

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Andrew Downie’s biography tells the story of the larger-than-life sporting figure, Socrates, against the backdrop of Brazilian politics and society at a time when both were changing rapidly.

It would be impossible to tell the story of Socrates without explaining the era in which he came of age and eventually dominated the national football scene. Downie achieves this in an engaging and conversational tone punctuated with richly researched and detailed anecdotes that offer a glimpse into what it was like to be present as the beautiful game became big business in Brazil. This is no dull history lesson, but rather a romp through an era accompanying perhaps the only person whose path threaded the divided social, political and economic strata of the country.

While non-Brazilians have sense of the Brazilian greats that have lifted the World Cup, stories of the “greatest team to never win it” are perhaps more interesting if not harder to come by. Thankfully Downie has meticulously curated a work comprised of countless primary sources and in-person interviews with the movers and shakers of the sport from all corners of Brazil and across Europe.

To sum it up, this is a much more audacious undertaking than a book about a deceased football star. It is a sophisticated exposition of a life led at the intersection of Brazilian politics, culture and of course, football.

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I enjoyed this book to an extent, it is way above most footballer's Biographies or Autobiographies it's very detailed on most aspects of the life of Socrates. His footballing genius, his love life, his short lived musical career and ultimately his later failure to pursue his medical career.The 1982 world cup features heavily here, and I think Socrates downplayed the failure of Brazil in the tournament, it was one of the best world cup games I have ever seen, and most people say that this was the best Brazil team never to win the world cup.Socrates missed out on the mega millions paid out to today's overpaid "stars", and one wonders how much he himself would be worth in today's over inflated football market place.Ultimately Socrates seemed to never find true happiness, dropping friends, family and lovers at the drop of a hat and appeared to be on self destruct mode most of the time, with his heavy drinking and smoking and poor diet.A decent book about a very intelligent footballer who seemed not to care whether he lived or died, he definitely burned the candle at both ends.

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This is pretty much everything you'd want from a football biography, which concentrates (understandably) on the 1982 World Cup. What I wasn't expecting, to be frank, is what a blow hard Socrates was. I don't suppose it really matters that Socrates was selfish, self-absorbed, a boozer with a penchant for childish practical jokes - but as a child I'd bought into the image of this doctor/ socialist/ chain smoking demigod, whereas in fact Socrates really did have feet of clay.This isn't the fault of the author (obviously) and there is some great stuff here on the World Cups, Corinthian Democracy etc. But like the old cliche goes, don't meet your heroes.

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My first conscious memory of World Cup and international tournament football. Those colours and sounds of Espana '82 will stay with me always, and although focus was on Zico, Eder, Falcao and Junior, this maestro captivated me so much.He looked different whereby you thought, he doesn't seem like he can hold his own in there.....what a ridiculous thought! Absolute class and authority. This book gives that back story and the rest of his intriguing, fascinating and sometimes flawed life. Many thanks for the story of his life, in lots of ways, it has reinforced my raw thoughts as a 9 year old when I was sat in front of the TV in open mouthed awe.

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He was the philosophy of football as Motson said in the 3-2 defeat by Italy. He was the professor in the Brazilian team who lived his life to the full and I bought it to hear about the many stories of his life and I was not disappointed. A very enjoyable investigative account of the superstar. Great read.

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I have read many football books but this is the first book that has ever made me cry! Outstanding work by Andrew Downie. I couldn't put it down, best book I have read in a long long time. I would highly recommend this book to not just football fans but to everyone who wants to read about this extraordinary legend both on and off the football pitch.

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Fascinating, well written insight into one of the great characters and footballers of the 80s. Highly recommended if you have any interest in Brazilian football, or have fond memories of that era of international football.

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An absolute legend of the game who done things the way he wanted. He lived a thousand lives told thoroughly here. Also some great insight into his two world cups especially the 82 side he captained. A must read for anyone who loves the beautiful game.

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Doctor Socrates is wonderful account of one of Brazil's most colorful footballers. The book gives in-depth insights into a complex player and some of Brazil's biggest clubs. It's stylishly written and a must-read for fans of Brazil or Brazilian football. I wholeheartedly recommend it.